The Biotech Century

The Biotech Century

Author: Jeremy Rifkin

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 1999-04-05

Total Pages: 289

ISBN-13: 0874779537

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this seminal book, Jeremy Rifkin explores the epic marriage between computer technology and genetic engineering, and the historic transition into the Age of Biotechnology. Already, Rifkin explains, our economy is undergoing a massive shift away from the Industrial Age and into an era in which giant life-science corporations are fashioning a bioindustrial world.Humanity is on the brink of wielding greater control over the shape of life--how we are born; how our food supply is created; the traits our children may have--than has ever been imagined. But with each step into this new era, we must ask ourselves: At what cost?


Book Synopsis The Biotech Century by : Jeremy Rifkin

Download or read book The Biotech Century written by Jeremy Rifkin and published by Penguin. This book was released on 1999-04-05 with total page 289 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this seminal book, Jeremy Rifkin explores the epic marriage between computer technology and genetic engineering, and the historic transition into the Age of Biotechnology. Already, Rifkin explains, our economy is undergoing a massive shift away from the Industrial Age and into an era in which giant life-science corporations are fashioning a bioindustrial world.Humanity is on the brink of wielding greater control over the shape of life--how we are born; how our food supply is created; the traits our children may have--than has ever been imagined. But with each step into this new era, we must ask ourselves: At what cost?


Biotech Century

Biotech Century

Author: Rifkin

Publisher: Phoenix

Published: 1999-12

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780575401891

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Biotech Century by : Rifkin

Download or read book Biotech Century written by Rifkin and published by Phoenix. This book was released on 1999-12 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Plant Biotechnology and Agriculture

Plant Biotechnology and Agriculture

Author: Arie Altman

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 625

ISBN-13: 0123814669

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

As the oldest and largest human intervention in nature, the science of agriculture is one of the most intensely studied practices. From manipulation of plant gene structure to the use of plants for bioenergy, biotechnology interventions in plant and agricultural science have been rapidly developing over the past ten years with immense forward leaps on an annual basis. This book begins by laying the foundations for plant biotechnology by outlining the biological aspects including gene structure and expression, and the basic procedures in plant biotechnology of genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. It then focuses on a discussion of the impacts of biotechnology on plant breeding technologies and germplasm sustainability. The role of biotechnology in the improvement of agricultural traits, production of industrial products and pharmaceuticals as well as biomaterials and biomass provide a historical perspective and a look to the future. Sections addressing intellectual property rights and sociological and food safety issues round out the holistic discussion of this important topic. Includes specific emphasis on the inter-relationships between basic plant biotechnologies and applied agricultural applications, and the way they contribute to each other Provides an updated review of the major plant biotechnology procedures and techniques, their impact on novel agricultural development and crop plant improvement Takes a broad view of the topic with discussions of practices in many countries


Book Synopsis Plant Biotechnology and Agriculture by : Arie Altman

Download or read book Plant Biotechnology and Agriculture written by Arie Altman and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2012 with total page 625 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the oldest and largest human intervention in nature, the science of agriculture is one of the most intensely studied practices. From manipulation of plant gene structure to the use of plants for bioenergy, biotechnology interventions in plant and agricultural science have been rapidly developing over the past ten years with immense forward leaps on an annual basis. This book begins by laying the foundations for plant biotechnology by outlining the biological aspects including gene structure and expression, and the basic procedures in plant biotechnology of genomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics and proteomics. It then focuses on a discussion of the impacts of biotechnology on plant breeding technologies and germplasm sustainability. The role of biotechnology in the improvement of agricultural traits, production of industrial products and pharmaceuticals as well as biomaterials and biomass provide a historical perspective and a look to the future. Sections addressing intellectual property rights and sociological and food safety issues round out the holistic discussion of this important topic. Includes specific emphasis on the inter-relationships between basic plant biotechnologies and applied agricultural applications, and the way they contribute to each other Provides an updated review of the major plant biotechnology procedures and techniques, their impact on novel agricultural development and crop plant improvement Takes a broad view of the topic with discussions of practices in many countries


Modern Biotechnology

Modern Biotechnology

Author: Nathan S. Mosier

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-09-20

Total Pages: 415

ISBN-13: 1118210204

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A unique resource for the next generation of biotech innovators Enabling everything from the deciphering of the human genome to environmentally friendly biofuels to lifesaving new pharmaceuticals, biotechnology has blossomed as an area of discovery and opportunity. Modern Biotechnology provides a much-needed introduction connecting the latest innovations in this area to key engineering fundamentals. With an unmatched level of coverage, this unique resource prepares a wide range of readers for the practical application of biotechnology in biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bioproducts. Organized into fourteen sections, reflecting a typical semester course, Modern Biotechnology covers such key topics as: Metabolic engineering Enzymes and enzyme kinetics Biocatalysts and other new bioproducts Cell fusion Genetic engineering, DNA, RNA, and genes Genomes and genomics Production of biopharmaceuticals Fermentation modeling and process analysis Taking a practical, applications-based approach, the text presents discussions of important fundamentals in biology, biochemistry, and engineering with relevant case studies showing technology applications and manufacturing scale-up. Written for today's wider, more interdisciplinary readership, Modern Biotechnology offers a solid intellectual foundation for students and professionals entering the modern biotechnology industry.


Book Synopsis Modern Biotechnology by : Nathan S. Mosier

Download or read book Modern Biotechnology written by Nathan S. Mosier and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-09-20 with total page 415 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A unique resource for the next generation of biotech innovators Enabling everything from the deciphering of the human genome to environmentally friendly biofuels to lifesaving new pharmaceuticals, biotechnology has blossomed as an area of discovery and opportunity. Modern Biotechnology provides a much-needed introduction connecting the latest innovations in this area to key engineering fundamentals. With an unmatched level of coverage, this unique resource prepares a wide range of readers for the practical application of biotechnology in biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other bioproducts. Organized into fourteen sections, reflecting a typical semester course, Modern Biotechnology covers such key topics as: Metabolic engineering Enzymes and enzyme kinetics Biocatalysts and other new bioproducts Cell fusion Genetic engineering, DNA, RNA, and genes Genomes and genomics Production of biopharmaceuticals Fermentation modeling and process analysis Taking a practical, applications-based approach, the text presents discussions of important fundamentals in biology, biochemistry, and engineering with relevant case studies showing technology applications and manufacturing scale-up. Written for today's wider, more interdisciplinary readership, Modern Biotechnology offers a solid intellectual foundation for students and professionals entering the modern biotechnology industry.


Golems Among Us

Golems Among Us

Author: Byron L. Sherwin

Publisher: Ivan R. Dee Publisher

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this book, Byron Sherwin briefly traces the fascinating history of the golem legend in Western culture, then shows how we can use it to navigate a safe journey--philosophically, theologically, ethically, and in public policy.


Book Synopsis Golems Among Us by : Byron L. Sherwin

Download or read book Golems Among Us written by Byron L. Sherwin and published by Ivan R. Dee Publisher. This book was released on 2004 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this book, Byron Sherwin briefly traces the fascinating history of the golem legend in Western culture, then shows how we can use it to navigate a safe journey--philosophically, theologically, ethically, and in public policy.


Liberation Biology

Liberation Biology

Author: Ronald Bailey

Publisher: Prometheus Books

Published: 2013-08

Total Pages: 332

ISBN-13: 1615921699

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The 21st century will undoubtedly witness unprecedented advances in understanding the mechanisms of the human body and in developing biotechnology. With the mapping of the human genome, the pace of discovery is now on the fast track. By the middle of the century we can expect that the rapid progress in biology and biotechnology will utterly transform human life. What was once the stuff of science fiction may now be within reach in the not-too-distant future: 20-to-40-year leaps in average life spans, enhanced human bodies, drugs and therapies to boost memory and speed up mental processing, and a genetic science that allows parents to ensure that their children will have stronger immune systems, more athletic bodies, and cleverer brains. Even the prospect of human immortality beckons. Such scenarios excite many people and frighten or appall many others. Already biotechnology opponents are organizing political movements aimed at restricting scientific research, banning the development and commercialization of various products and technologies, and limiting citizens'' access to the fruits of the biotech revolution. In this forward-looking book Ronald Bailey, science writer for Reason magazine, argues that the coming biotechnology revolution, far from endangering human dignity, will liberate human beings to achieve their full potentials by enabling more of us to live flourishing lives free of disease, disability, and the threat of early death. Bailey covers the full range of the coming biotechnology breakthroughs, from stem-cell research to third-world farming, from brain-enhancing neuropharmaceuticals to designer babies. Against critics of these trends, who forecast the nightmare society of Huxley''s Brave New World, Bailey persuasively shows in lucid and well-argued prose that the health, safety, and ethical concerns raised by worried citizens and policymakers are misplaced. Liberation Biology makes a positive, optimistic, and convincing case that the biotechnology revolution will improve our lives and the future of our children, while preserving and enhancing the natural environment.


Book Synopsis Liberation Biology by : Ronald Bailey

Download or read book Liberation Biology written by Ronald Bailey and published by Prometheus Books. This book was released on 2013-08 with total page 332 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 21st century will undoubtedly witness unprecedented advances in understanding the mechanisms of the human body and in developing biotechnology. With the mapping of the human genome, the pace of discovery is now on the fast track. By the middle of the century we can expect that the rapid progress in biology and biotechnology will utterly transform human life. What was once the stuff of science fiction may now be within reach in the not-too-distant future: 20-to-40-year leaps in average life spans, enhanced human bodies, drugs and therapies to boost memory and speed up mental processing, and a genetic science that allows parents to ensure that their children will have stronger immune systems, more athletic bodies, and cleverer brains. Even the prospect of human immortality beckons. Such scenarios excite many people and frighten or appall many others. Already biotechnology opponents are organizing political movements aimed at restricting scientific research, banning the development and commercialization of various products and technologies, and limiting citizens'' access to the fruits of the biotech revolution. In this forward-looking book Ronald Bailey, science writer for Reason magazine, argues that the coming biotechnology revolution, far from endangering human dignity, will liberate human beings to achieve their full potentials by enabling more of us to live flourishing lives free of disease, disability, and the threat of early death. Bailey covers the full range of the coming biotechnology breakthroughs, from stem-cell research to third-world farming, from brain-enhancing neuropharmaceuticals to designer babies. Against critics of these trends, who forecast the nightmare society of Huxley''s Brave New World, Bailey persuasively shows in lucid and well-argued prose that the health, safety, and ethical concerns raised by worried citizens and policymakers are misplaced. Liberation Biology makes a positive, optimistic, and convincing case that the biotechnology revolution will improve our lives and the future of our children, while preserving and enhancing the natural environment.


Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2019-01-05

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 0309465184

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.


Book Synopsis Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-01-05 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientific advances over the past several decades have accelerated the ability to engineer existing organisms and to potentially create novel ones not found in nature. Synthetic biology, which collectively refers to concepts, approaches, and tools that enable the modification or creation of biological organisms, is being pursued overwhelmingly for beneficial purposes ranging from reducing the burden of disease to improving agricultural yields to remediating pollution. Although the contributions synthetic biology can make in these and other areas hold great promise, it is also possible to imagine malicious uses that could threaten U.S. citizens and military personnel. Making informed decisions about how to address such concerns requires a realistic assessment of the capabilities that could be misused. Biodefense in the Age of Synthetic Biology explores and envisions potential misuses of synthetic biology. This report develops a framework to guide an assessment of the security concerns related to advances in synthetic biology, assesses the levels of concern warranted for such advances, and identifies options that could help mitigate those concerns.


Gene Jockeys

Gene Jockeys

Author: Nicolas Rasmussen

Publisher: JHU Press

Published: 2014-05-15

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 1421413418

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The scientific scramble to discover the first generation of drugs created through genetic engineering. The biotech arena emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, when molecular biology, one of the fastest-moving areas of basic science in the twentieth century, met the business world. Gene Jockeys is a detailed study of the biotech projects that led to five of the first ten recombinant DNA drugs to be approved for medical use in the United States: human insulin, human growth hormone, alpha interferon, erythropoietin, and tissue plasminogen activator. Drawing on corporate documents obtained from patent litigation, as well as interviews with the ambitious biologists who called themselves gene jockeys, historian Nicolas Rasmussen chronicles the remarkable, and often secretive, work of the scientists who built a new domain between academia and the drug industry in the pursuit of intellectual rewards and big payouts. In contrast to some who critique the rise of biotechnology, Rasmussen contends that biotech was not a swindle, even if the public did pay a very high price for the development of what began as public scientific resources. Within the biotech enterprise, the work of corporate scientists went well beyond what biologists had already accomplished within universities, and it accelerated the medical use of the new drugs by several years. In his technically detailed and readable narrative, Rasmussen focuses on the visible and often heavy hands that construct and maintain the markets in public goods like science. He looks closely at how science follows money, and vice versa, as researchers respond to the pressures and potential rewards of commercially viable innovations. In biotechnology, many of those engaged in crafting markets for genetically engineered drugs were biologists themselves who were in fact trying to do science. This book captures that heady, fleeting moment when a biologist could expect to do great science through the private sector and be rewarded with both wealth and scientific acclaim.


Book Synopsis Gene Jockeys by : Nicolas Rasmussen

Download or read book Gene Jockeys written by Nicolas Rasmussen and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2014-05-15 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The scientific scramble to discover the first generation of drugs created through genetic engineering. The biotech arena emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, when molecular biology, one of the fastest-moving areas of basic science in the twentieth century, met the business world. Gene Jockeys is a detailed study of the biotech projects that led to five of the first ten recombinant DNA drugs to be approved for medical use in the United States: human insulin, human growth hormone, alpha interferon, erythropoietin, and tissue plasminogen activator. Drawing on corporate documents obtained from patent litigation, as well as interviews with the ambitious biologists who called themselves gene jockeys, historian Nicolas Rasmussen chronicles the remarkable, and often secretive, work of the scientists who built a new domain between academia and the drug industry in the pursuit of intellectual rewards and big payouts. In contrast to some who critique the rise of biotechnology, Rasmussen contends that biotech was not a swindle, even if the public did pay a very high price for the development of what began as public scientific resources. Within the biotech enterprise, the work of corporate scientists went well beyond what biologists had already accomplished within universities, and it accelerated the medical use of the new drugs by several years. In his technically detailed and readable narrative, Rasmussen focuses on the visible and often heavy hands that construct and maintain the markets in public goods like science. He looks closely at how science follows money, and vice versa, as researchers respond to the pressures and potential rewards of commercially viable innovations. In biotechnology, many of those engaged in crafting markets for genetically engineered drugs were biologists themselves who were in fact trying to do science. This book captures that heady, fleeting moment when a biologist could expect to do great science through the private sector and be rewarded with both wealth and scientific acclaim.


Industrialization of Biology

Industrialization of Biology

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-06-29

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 0309316553

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The tremendous progress in biology over the last half century - from Watson and Crick's elucidation of the structure of DNA to today's astonishing, rapid progress in the field of synthetic biology - has positioned us for significant innovation in chemical production. New bio-based chemicals, improved public health through improved drugs and diagnostics, and biofuels that reduce our dependency on oil are all results of research and innovation in the biological sciences. In the past decade, we have witnessed major advances made possible by biotechnology in areas such as rapid, low-cost DNA sequencing, metabolic engineering, and high-throughput screening. The manufacturing of chemicals using biological synthesis and engineering could expand even faster. A proactive strategy - implemented through the development of a technical roadmap similar to those that enabled sustained growth in the semiconductor industry and our explorations of space - is needed if we are to realize the widespread benefits of accelerating the industrialization of biology. Industrialization of Biology presents such a roadmap to achieve key technical milestones for chemical manufacturing through biological routes. This report examines the technical, economic, and societal factors that limit the adoption of bioprocessing in the chemical industry today and which, if surmounted, would markedly accelerate the advanced manufacturing of chemicals via industrial biotechnology. Working at the interface of synthetic chemistry, metabolic engineering, molecular biology, and synthetic biology, Industrialization of Biology identifies key technical goals for next-generation chemical manufacturing, then identifies the gaps in knowledge, tools, techniques, and systems required to meet those goals, and targets and timelines for achieving them. This report also considers the skills necessary to accomplish the roadmap goals, and what training opportunities are required to produce the cadre of skilled scientists and engineers needed.


Book Synopsis Industrialization of Biology by : National Research Council

Download or read book Industrialization of Biology written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2015-06-29 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The tremendous progress in biology over the last half century - from Watson and Crick's elucidation of the structure of DNA to today's astonishing, rapid progress in the field of synthetic biology - has positioned us for significant innovation in chemical production. New bio-based chemicals, improved public health through improved drugs and diagnostics, and biofuels that reduce our dependency on oil are all results of research and innovation in the biological sciences. In the past decade, we have witnessed major advances made possible by biotechnology in areas such as rapid, low-cost DNA sequencing, metabolic engineering, and high-throughput screening. The manufacturing of chemicals using biological synthesis and engineering could expand even faster. A proactive strategy - implemented through the development of a technical roadmap similar to those that enabled sustained growth in the semiconductor industry and our explorations of space - is needed if we are to realize the widespread benefits of accelerating the industrialization of biology. Industrialization of Biology presents such a roadmap to achieve key technical milestones for chemical manufacturing through biological routes. This report examines the technical, economic, and societal factors that limit the adoption of bioprocessing in the chemical industry today and which, if surmounted, would markedly accelerate the advanced manufacturing of chemicals via industrial biotechnology. Working at the interface of synthetic chemistry, metabolic engineering, molecular biology, and synthetic biology, Industrialization of Biology identifies key technical goals for next-generation chemical manufacturing, then identifies the gaps in knowledge, tools, techniques, and systems required to meet those goals, and targets and timelines for achieving them. This report also considers the skills necessary to accomplish the roadmap goals, and what training opportunities are required to produce the cadre of skilled scientists and engineers needed.


From Breakthrough to Blockbuster

From Breakthrough to Blockbuster

Author: Donald L. Drakeman

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 0195084004

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Beginning in the 1970s, several scientific breakthroughs promised to transform the creation of new medicines. As investors sought to capitalize on these Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, the biotech industry grew to thousands of small companies around the world. Each sought to emulate what the major pharmaceutical companies had been doing for a century or more, but without the advantages of scale, scope, experience, and massive resources. How could a large collection of small companies, most with fewer than 50 employees, compete in one of the world's most breathtakingly expensive and highly regulated industries? This book shows how biotech companies have met the challenge by creating nearly 40% more of the most important treatments for unmet medical needs. Moreover, they have done so with much lower overall costs. The book focuses on both the companies themselves and the broader biotech ecosystem that supports them. Its portrait of the crucial roles played by academic research, venture capital, contract research organizations, the capital markets, and pharmaceutical companies shows how a supportive environment enabled the entrepreneurial biotech industry to create novel medicines with unprecedented efficiency. In doing so, it also offers insights for any industry seeking to innovate in uncertain and ambiguous conditions. Looking to the future, it concludes that biomedical research will continue to be most effective in the hands of a large group of small companies as long as national healthcare policies allow the rest of the ecosystem to continue to thrive"--


Book Synopsis From Breakthrough to Blockbuster by : Donald L. Drakeman

Download or read book From Breakthrough to Blockbuster written by Donald L. Drakeman and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2022 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Beginning in the 1970s, several scientific breakthroughs promised to transform the creation of new medicines. As investors sought to capitalize on these Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, the biotech industry grew to thousands of small companies around the world. Each sought to emulate what the major pharmaceutical companies had been doing for a century or more, but without the advantages of scale, scope, experience, and massive resources. How could a large collection of small companies, most with fewer than 50 employees, compete in one of the world's most breathtakingly expensive and highly regulated industries? This book shows how biotech companies have met the challenge by creating nearly 40% more of the most important treatments for unmet medical needs. Moreover, they have done so with much lower overall costs. The book focuses on both the companies themselves and the broader biotech ecosystem that supports them. Its portrait of the crucial roles played by academic research, venture capital, contract research organizations, the capital markets, and pharmaceutical companies shows how a supportive environment enabled the entrepreneurial biotech industry to create novel medicines with unprecedented efficiency. In doing so, it also offers insights for any industry seeking to innovate in uncertain and ambiguous conditions. Looking to the future, it concludes that biomedical research will continue to be most effective in the hands of a large group of small companies as long as national healthcare policies allow the rest of the ecosystem to continue to thrive"--